Internt UFO Forum - 1981 No 6

Magazine Overview

Title: INTERNT UFO FORUM
Issue: 6
Volume: 1981/82
Date: 1981
Publisher: NUFOC (Norsk UFO Center)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of 'Intern UFO Forum' serves as an internal publication for Norsk UFO Center, detailing organizational news, research articles, and case reviews. It marks the final issue of 'Intern' before its merger with other publications into a new magazine titled 'UFO'. The editorial team expresses hope that this consolidation will allow them to reach a broader audience and better serve the UFO research community.

Organizational News

The magazine reports on the successful congress in Bergen and the formation of a new unified organization called 'UFO-Norge'. This merger aims to streamline efforts and reduce the number of competing UFO organizations. The publication also announces that 'Intern UFO Forum' will be included with a subscription to the new 'UFO' magazine, which will be larger and feature more diverse content, including topics beyond pure UFO research to attract a wider readership.

Film Review: 'Collision Course'

An analysis of the American film 'Collision Course' (Swedish title: 'Kollisjonskurs i Rymden') is presented. The reviewer notes that the film, while featuring a UFO encounter and a subsequent crash, is not particularly groundbreaking in its special effects or narrative. Despite its perceived flaws, the film is deemed somewhat interesting for 'ufologists' as it aligns with common UFO theories, though it offers no entirely new perspectives.

Space Exploration and Alien Civilizations

Part 3 of 'On the Hunt for Other Civilizations' by H K Karlsen

This section delves into humanity's efforts to communicate with potential extraterrestrial civilizations. It discusses the golden plaques sent with the Pioneer 10 and 11 probes, which contained diagrams and information about Earth and humanity. The article then moves on to the Voyager probes, which carry phonograph records with sounds and images of Earth, including greetings in various languages and music. The author also touches upon the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project, specifically mentioning the proposed 'Cyclops' project from 1971, which envisioned a massive array of antennas to detect signals from distant planets. However, the project's high cost and the current economic situation make its realization unlikely in the near future. Alternative proposals include placing radio telescopes on the far side of the moon or in orbit around Earth.

Archaeological Discoveries in Uzbekistan

'What Secret Does the Desert Hide?'

This article reports on an archaeological expedition organized by the Uzbek Academy of Sciences in the Karakalpakia region of Soviet Central Asia. The expedition discovered a vast system of lines and drawings, described as a 'line and drawing system' similar to the geoglyphs found in the Nazca desert of Peru. These formations, some of which are enormous ovals and long 'arrowheads', are located in the Ustjurt desert plateau. The article quotes Dr. V. Jagodin, who led the research, explaining that these features were identified through aerial photography and are too large to be properly assessed on foot. Initial findings, including pottery and other artifacts, suggest a connection to ancient nomadic cultures, possibly dating back to the 7th or 8th century AD. The scale of these structures suggests they were built for a significant purpose, possibly related to hunting or astronomical observations, and their existence poses a mystery about the people who created them and their purpose.

Plasma Physics and UFO Credibility

'Plasma Physics: The Strength of UFO Witness Credibility' by Hans Lauritzen

This piece explores the connection between plasma physics and the credibility of UFO witnesses. The author argues that phenomena like ball lightning and plasma forms, which are essentially ionized atmospheric masses, can be explained by plasma physics. Lauritzen contends that identifying a UFO as a plasma phenomenon actually *strengthens* the witness's credibility, rather than weakening it. He asserts that the idea that plasma physics reduces credibility is illogical and unscientific, and that plasma physics has potential applications in energy production and propulsion, making interstellar travel and visits from extraterrestrial civilizations more plausible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects a strong focus on the scientific and investigative aspects of UFO phenomena. There is a clear effort to bridge the gap between the unexplained and scientific understanding, whether through archaeological research, space exploration initiatives, or the application of physics. The editorial stance emphasizes a desire for broader engagement with the topic, moving beyond a niche audience to a more general public interested in the mysteries of the universe. The consolidation into a new magazine 'UFO' signals an ambition to expand the scope and reach of Norsk UFO Center's publications.

Title: Internt
Issue: nr.6 1981/82
Date: February 1981
Publisher: Internt
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of 'Internt' explores a range of intriguing topics, from alleged UFO encounters and the mysteries of humanoids to the scientific exploration of space through the Voyager 2 mission and the origins of comets. It also delves into ancient mythology, seeking potential connections to modern UFO phenomena.

Leserens Mening (Reader's Opinion)

The section 'Leserens Mening' begins with congratulations to the merger of two leading UFO organizations in Norway, questioning the official name for the new entity (UFO-Norge, UFO Norge, or UFO NORGE) and urging clarification. It also notes that the magazine welcomes both praise and criticism in its new publication.

De Gåtefulle UFO'er (The Enigmatic UFOs) by Hans Aass

This article by Hans Aass examines several significant UFO cases, starting with the Aztec incident in February 1948. He discusses the discovery of a crashed UFO in the US, its occupants, and the subsequent secrecy surrounding the event. Aass references Professor Robert Spencer Carr's research, which suggests that President Eisenhower was briefed on a recovered UFO and its occupants, leading to a directive for absolute secrecy, with the CIA involved in managing public perception to avoid a 'cultural shock'. The article also mentions the Robertson Panel convened by the CIA in 1953 to downplay and discredit UFO phenomena.

Aass then discusses the Gdynia UFO crash in 1959 and a case from Petrozavodsk in 1977, highlighting the ongoing efforts by superpowers to understand and potentially weaponize UFO technology. He posits that the secrecy surrounding UFOs and humanoids is maintained because the evidence suggests an extraterrestrial origin.

The article touches upon the physical characteristics of alleged humanoids, describing them as small, advanced beings with degenerated skeletal structures, lacking certain features like earlobes and noses, and having underdeveloped lips and absent teeth. The lack of a digestive system and the absence of external genitalia are also noted. Aass concludes by suggesting that understanding these phenomena requires open-mindedness and curiosity, rather than outright dismissal.

Astro-arkeologi (Astro-archaeology) by Bjarno Finderup

Bjarno Finderup's article explores the connection between ancient myths and potential UFO sightings. He analyzes Homer's 'Hymns' to Hermes and Apollo, interpreting the descriptions of flying chariots and divine beings as possible accounts of UFOs. Finderup suggests that the 'flying chariot' of Hermes and Apollo's 'dolphin-like object' could be interpreted as advanced craft. He draws parallels between these ancient narratives and modern UFO observations, proposing that the 'horses' mentioned in the myths could represent the propulsion system of these craft, similar to how 'horsepower' is used today.

Finderup also references his own book, 'Hieroglyfene var hermeneutiske', where he interprets the biblical story of Jonah being swallowed by a fish and then rescued as a possible UFO encounter.

Kometer (Comets)

This section discusses the origin and nature of comets. It posits that all comets are members of our solar system and that those with hyperbolic orbits have likely gained speed through gravitational interactions with planets. The article suggests that comets with short orbital periods have a limited lifespan due to mass loss at perihelion. It also raises the possibility of comets colliding with other celestial bodies, citing craters on the Moon and the Siberian event in 1908 as potential examples.

The prevailing theory presented is that comets formed in the outer solar system, beyond Uranus and Neptune, where a larger mass of material allowed for the formation of smaller bodies. These bodies were then perturbed by the gravity of the gas giants, sending them into the inner solar system as comets. The article notes that while some comets are captured by the Sun, many are perturbed into long-period orbits, forming a 'comet nucleus cloud'. It also considers the effect of interplanetary material on comets, suggesting that collisions might lead to material being 'knocked loose' rather than captured.

Halley's Comet

This section features an illustration of Halley's Comet and a chart detailing its trajectory and visibility from January to April 1981, as observed from 30° N. Latitude. The chart indicates the comet's position in both the morning and evening skies, along with its apparent magnitude.

Saturn's Ringer (Saturn's Rings)

This article details the Voyager 2 mission's encounter with Saturn. It highlights the probe's precision, arriving just seconds off its calculated trajectory. The mission successfully gathered extensive data on Saturn's atmosphere, winds, and its numerous moons. Despite a temporary camera malfunction, Voyager 2 managed to capture detailed images of Saturn's rings and its icy moons like Hyperion, Tethys, and Enceladus.

The article describes the unique characteristics of Saturn's moons, such as Hyperion's potato-like shape and Tethys's large crater and rift. It also touches upon the mystery of Iapetus's varying darkness and the possibility of internal heating on Enceladus due to gravitational forces. The article concludes by mentioning the probe's subsequent trajectory towards Uranus and Neptune.

Voyager 2's Encounter with Saturn's Rings

This piece focuses on the challenges faced by the Voyager 2 probe during its passage through Saturn's rings. Scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena had hypothesized various explanations for the gaps in the rings, including the influence of small moons or gravitational effects. The most critical phase of the mission was the passage through the rings, which lasted for about 1.5 hours, during which the probe was out of radio contact with Earth.

Upon re-establishing contact, scientists discovered that the camera's horizontal movement mechanism was jammed, causing it to point into empty space. While the vertical movement was unaffected, the jam prevented precise aiming. Engineers attempted to free the platform by carefully maneuvering it. The article notes that a similar issue had occurred with Voyager 1, which was resolved by working the jammed gearbox. By the end of the week, the problem was reportedly resolved, allowing Voyager 2 to continue its mission, including photographing the moon Phoebe and proceeding towards Uranus and Neptune.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained phenomena of UFOs, the potential for extraterrestrial life, and the ongoing exploration of space. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations, particularly when ancient myths and modern scientific discoveries seem to intersect. There is a clear interest in government secrecy and cover-ups related to UFOs, as well as a fascination with the technological advancements in space exploration. The editorial stance seems to be one of curiosity and a desire to bridge the gap between the unknown and the known, urging readers to embrace imagination and critical inquiry.

Title: UFO og vitenskap
Issue: nr.6
Volume: 1981/82
Date: 1981/82
Publisher: Norsk UFO Center
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of "UFO og vitenskap" (UFO and Science) from the Norsk UFO Center, dated 1981/82, delves into the intersection of UFO phenomena with psychology and parapsychology, alongside reporting on specific sightings.

Book Review: 'Uforklarlige Opplevelser' by Paul Jan Brudal

The central piece is a book review by Johan Hjelvik of Paul Jan Brudal's "Uforklarlige Opplevelser" (Unexplained Experiences). Brudal, identified as the chief psychologist at Gaustad sykehus, explores parapsychology and the borderline areas of psychology. The review highlights a chapter titled "Do UFO phenomena belong within the field of parapsychological study?" which prompted the reviewer to purchase the book. The reviewer notes that while the book doesn't offer definitive answers, it clarifies that reality is not purely technical-materialistic and that UFO phenomena can be viewed from a psychological perspective. Brudal groups UFOs, ghosts, clairvoyance, telepathy, and most ESP phenomena under a single umbrella. The book is praised for its sober and non-speculative approach, presenting well-documented experiences that are not mere rumors, unlike some foreign literature.

Brudal's book is described as accessible, using few foreign terms and drawing from approximately 40 other books. It seeks to find common threads and possible explanations for various experiences. Professor Georg Hygen, who wrote the foreword, suggests the book deserves to be "popular reading." However, the review points out that Brudal, while knowledgeable in parapsychology, is less so in UFO literature, citing only two UFO books by J. Vallee and C.G. Jung. The reviewer suggests Brudal is resistant to technical explanations for UFOs, quoting him as saying a certain theory "seems to build on clear misunderstandings." Despite this, the book is seen as valuable for UFO enthusiasts, offering a compilation of phenomena and supporting the idea of opening up to the significance of paranormal phenomena, including UFOs.

UFO Sighting Report: Lundamo, Norway

The issue features a detailed account of a UFO sighting by Nils Løberg, a 75-year-old man, who claims to have seen a UFO in broad daylight. The incident occurred on Tuesday, November 10, 1981, around 2:00 PM, near Løberg's home in Lundamo, a short distance south of Trondheim.

Løberg described the object as a "saucer-shaped" and "brown" "flying object" that appeared to be a "hvelvet tallerken" (inverted saucer). He was convinced it was not an aircraft and observed it sailing at high speed from east to west. The object suddenly stopped, then rapidly moved back towards the east-southeast before disappearing into fog. Løberg's daughter and wife also witnessed the event.

Weather conditions were investigated. The weather service in Stjørdalen reported southerly winds of 9 knots with overcast skies and some rain showers at 1:45 PM. By 4:20 PM, the wind had increased to 50 knots from the west at 2500 ft, and at 800 ft, it was 30 knots. This contrasts with Løberg's account, who stated it was not raining and he did not feel any wind. The presence of stationary fog patches in the valley and around Vassfjellet suggested that the strong winds reported by the weather service might not have been affecting the immediate area where the observation took place.

Trondheim Airport reported no unusual air traffic during that period. The Norwegian Defence's surveillance station at Gråkallen also reported no abnormal flight activity. When asked if they believed in such "nonsense," the authorities declined to comment further.

A sketch illustrates the object's trajectory, and a diagram shows the witnesses' placement relative to the object and Vassfjellet.

Discussion on Humanoids and Future Perspectives

Another section speculates on the nature of "humanoids," questioning if they are ordinary beings with parents or if they are artificially produced, perhaps through cloning, serving as "worker bees." The text mentions that their blood is colorless and does not carry oxygen. The possibility of humanoids being robots is raised, prompting the question of who controls them. The author expresses a preference for not swapping places with such beings, describing a lack of sensory experiences like taste, smell, or enjoyment of music and sex. Humanoid eyes are described as large and penetrating, yet friendly, suggesting they are a window to the soul. The text concludes that humanity is not prepared for this "cultural shock" and that such a shock might be necessary to overcome political and religious conflicts that lead to violence.

Reflections on UFO Observations in 1981

This section reflects on the year 1981 as an active year for UFO reports, noting an increase in sightings alongside a rise in misinterpretations. Common misidentifications include meteor showers, space debris, and the planet Venus. The article emphasizes the difficulty witnesses have in accurately estimating size, distance, and speed, calling it a significant human weakness. It cites an example of a woman who observed a UFO estimated at 40 cm, which was later identified as a 25-meter advertising balloon.

The author, L. Havik, expresses hope for progress in the new year and encourages reader feedback on the magazine's quality and content. He notes a lack of engagement with the "Readers' Opinion" section, suggesting general satisfaction with the existing format, though perhaps a decrease in UFO-related content.

A significant upcoming story is teased, involving physical imprints found in Mid-Norway, with a promise of a detailed report in a future issue. The article mentions that due to extreme cold, photographic evidence was compromised, but some images were still obtained.

Norsk UFO Center Product Offerings

The magazine includes advertisements for the Norsk UFO Center, offering UFO materials such as current Norwegian UFO cases in text and pictures, 14 UFO photos in black and white and color (sizes 9x13 to 21x26 cm) for 150 NOK, and UFO posters (30x140 cm) for 12 NOK. They also offer photos of specific events like the Espeveravtrykket (Espever imprint), the 1914 UFOet, and observations from Washington and Wanaque observatories for 10 NOK per sticker, with a pack of 4 for 10 NOK. Prices include postage and handling.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of UFO phenomena, exploring both potential psychological and physical explanations. There is a clear emphasis on the need for a more open-minded approach that considers parapsychological aspects alongside scientific ones. The magazine seems to advocate for a critical yet receptive stance towards UFO reports, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misidentifications. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging serious investigation while acknowledging the challenges and limitations in understanding such events, suggesting that many UFO sightings may remain unexplained mysteries. The Norsk UFO Center positions itself as a provider of information and materials related to UFO research.